Mock COP29 gains momentum with sponsors backing

To coincide with COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, secondary school students from across the Highlands and Moray gather this week in Inverness for a mock climate conference, showcasing the passion of young people working toward a fairer, more sustainable future.

Held on 12 November 2024 at Highland Council Chambers, the event is being organised by The Open University (OU) in Scotland, Highland One World Global Learning Centre, Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highlands (DYWICH), and Highland Council.

Originally launched as a virtual initiative to support COP26 in 2021, the Mock COP has since transformed into an in-person event and has grown from just four participating schools to 11 in 2024. It is now also looking to expand its reach and impact through sponsorship from Vattenfall and Green Freeport. This support will ensure the ongoing sustainability of the event, helping to develop a national Mock COP programme that will run in regions across Scotland from 2025.

Kitty Chilcott, Partnership Manager at The Open University in Scotland and lead organiser, emphasises the programme's educational value: 

"The Open University in Scotland is committed to empowering young people to understand and act on climate issues. Complex challenges like climate change demand awareness and collaboration from all of us. The Mock COP is about equipping students with the tools and confidence they need to lead on sustainability initiatives."

Chilcott also highlights the event’s growth: “We are grateful to our new sponsors—Vattenfall and Green Freeport—who have come on board to support the Mock COP. With their backing, we’ll be able to roll out the Mock COP as a national programme, taking it to the next level and opening up this invaluable opportunity to even more young people across Scotland, ensuring that our work can reach further and inspire a whole next generation of climate leaders.”
 
Representing Vattenfall, sponsor and renewable energy leader, Alison Daugherty, Senior Project Manager, says: 

“Supporting the OU in Scotland’s Mock COP aligns perfectly with our mission and our roadmap to fossil freedom. We believe that equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to advocate for change is essential, and we are proud to contribute to an initiative that fosters such strong community and environmental values.”

Alli Vass, PowerHouse Manager at Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, also emphasises the value of reaching out to the community and supporting future leaders in climate action: 

“For Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, sustainability means more than a set of goals—it’s a commitment to the next generation. We are thrilled to support an event that allows the future workforce to experience real-world decision-making on climate issues and feel empowered to bring about positive change.”

Students participating in the Mock COP gain hands-on experience as they represent countries or organisations, debating solutions in three lively negotiation rounds aimed at crafting a positive future for people and the planet.

Groups vote on resolutions at the end of the day, considering outcomes for their own country/organisation and the global impact of the decisions made. The event has been developed creatively to include ‘live’ interactive moments which will bring to life the experience of attending a high-level summit.
 
Reporters for the event are taking part from each school, providing updates to the whole group throughout the day. Pupils taking part develop confidence, communication skills, and negotiation as well as a better understanding of climate change and democracy.

Participants will also hear from experts, who share insights on the significance of past climate summits and the stakes of COP29.

Liz Fletcher, Lead Programme at Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highlands, emphasised the event’s impact on students: 

“With demand for green skills growing, particularly in the Highlands with the development of the Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, it’s vital that young people have the opportunity to understand the career and training prospects this gives them while offering a platform to shape their own futures. The Mock COP provides not only a voice but also skills in communication, negotiation, and teamwork—capabilities that are key for future jobs and meaningful climate action.”

Catriona Willis, Coordinator at Highland One World, noted the importance of engaging youth in climate discussions: 

“The response from students to the Mock COP over the years has been phenomenal. Young people today are deeply concerned about climate change, so it’s important that we encourage a sense of agency and hope. The Mock COP offers a platform to develop the skills and values young people need to participate in positive action for a better world."

Secondary schools taking part in MockCop29 are: Culloden Academy, Dingwall Academy, Fortrose Academy, Gairloch High School, Invergordon Academy, Inverness High School, Inverness Royal Academy, Kingussie High School, Milburn Academy, Speyside High School and Tain Royal Academy.

12 November 2024